ALT Microsoft Chief Accessibility Officer Jenny Lay-Flurrie recently testified before the bipartisan U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions (HELP) on employment for people with disabilities, the first Senate HELP hearing on this topic since 2014. Here's what you need to know:

ALT The Problem: The Disability Divide. Individuals with disabilities have lower employment and higher rates of poverty than those without disabilities. Covid-19 has resulted in rapid digital transformation with shifts to remote teamwork and learning. The U.S. economy is experiencing record demand for workers. Engaging this untapped talent pool can help address labor market needs.

ALT Finding a solution: Accessible technology is a fundamental building block that can open doors to bigger opportunities for people with disabilities, tackling barriers to communication, interaction, and information. COVID-19 has served as an accelerator to the role that accessible technology can play. More innovation is needed in areas including making documents more accessible, ensuring accessibility features are easy to find and use, and providing support when and how people need it.

ALT Empowering talent: Attracting and retaining a diverse workforce, including individuals with disabilities, means using targeted strategies that acknowledge the strength of people with disabilities and support their needs. With specific hiring programs and strong disability inclusion practices, Microsoft empowers candidates to “come as you are, do what you love.” Policy recommendations: Microsoft recommends policymakers focus on: Encouraging widespread adoption of digital technology. Ensuring inclusivity and equity, including through fair pay and equal treatment. Removing barriers and disincentives to work.